Regional development of acetylcholinesterase activity in the maternally reared and maternally deprived cat

Abstract

The regional development of AChE in six areas of cat brain from the 43rd gestational day to adulthood has been studied. Consistent increases were found in the course of development in all areas, the greatest percent increase occurring from the 43rd gestational day to birth. No significant sex differences were found. Comparison of AChE values for cat with other species reveals a close similarity for subcortical structures but less so for the cortex. Cats reared in social isolation showed no consistent differences in regional AChE activity at 20, 30 and 60 days of age as compared with their maternally reared littermates.